Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ...
—Luke 4:1 NIV
Jesus goes into the wilderness full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. The role of the Spirit in the wilderness is crucial. The wilderness is a place for Jesus to be alone with the Father. In addition, this time of Jesus in the wilderness will also be a time of testing and trial. As we have journeyed this past year through Scripture seeking to learn more about the presence, power, and work of the Holy Spirit, we have repeatedly seen two phrases: "full of the Holy Spirit" and "led by the Holy Spirit." These phrases apply to Jesus' ministry and also describe the Spirit's work in our lives (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:18-25). Jesus faced trials and temptations. He overcame them as the Spirit filled him and led him. Similarly, we can overcome life's difficulties as we are filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. So let's commit to focus this next year on being filled and being led. Let's invite the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Helper, and Friend (John 14-16). Let's trust that as we focus our hearts on Jesus and immerse ourselves in his story, the Holy Spirit will work his miracle of transformation in our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). We have received a great gift in Jesus. Jesus now wants to use the Holy Spirit in our lives to make that gift complete.
Holy and righteous Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus and the gift of your Holy Spirit. As I finish this year and anticipate a new year ahead, help me that I may journey into the future yielded to Jesus as Lord, filled with the Spirit, and led by the Spirit into the life ahead of me. I want my life to reflect Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Luke 4:1 NIV
Key Thought
Jesus goes into the wilderness full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. The role of the Spirit in the wilderness is crucial. The wilderness is a place for Jesus to be alone with the Father. In addition, this time of Jesus in the wilderness will also be a time of testing and trial. As we have journeyed this past year through Scripture seeking to learn more about the presence, power, and work of the Holy Spirit, we have repeatedly seen two phrases: "full of the Holy Spirit" and "led by the Holy Spirit." These phrases apply to Jesus' ministry and also describe the Spirit's work in our lives (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:18-25). Jesus faced trials and temptations. He overcame them as the Spirit filled him and led him. Similarly, we can overcome life's difficulties as we are filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. So let's commit to focus this next year on being filled and being led. Let's invite the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Helper, and Friend (John 14-16). Let's trust that as we focus our hearts on Jesus and immerse ourselves in his story, the Holy Spirit will work his miracle of transformation in our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). We have received a great gift in Jesus. Jesus now wants to use the Holy Spirit in our lives to make that gift complete.
Today's Prayer
Holy and righteous Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus and the gift of your Holy Spirit. As I finish this year and anticipate a new year ahead, help me that I may journey into the future yielded to Jesus as Lord, filled with the Spirit, and led by the Spirit into the life ahead of me. I want my life to reflect Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
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**Prayer Group Update!** 
Hello everyone! Let's lift up these needs:
**Prayer Updates!** 
**Anonymous** needs urgent prayers for affordable senior housing. Let's pray for God's provision!
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**Anonymous** seeks prayers for peace at home as a family member leaves.
**Meedham** requests prayers for healing of his beloved dog, Jax
